Police: Man Planned To Blow Up Dearborn Mosque

A 63-year-old southern California man, who allegedly was traveling with explosives in his vehicle with the intention of blowing up one of the nation’s largest mosques where mourners had gathered for a funeral, was arrested in Dearborn.

Police say they arrested Roger Stockham after a bar owner tipped them of his plans. Dawud Walid – the former executive director of CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations-Michigan – worships at the mosque and says racism is at the core of many hateful crimes.

“Well, there’s a lot of people out here who hold anti-Muslim feelings and sentiments, and unfortunately when they express those, some people who may not be mentally stable, could be pushed to the edge,” Walid said.

Amer Jaafar also worships at the mosque. He said he’s glad Stockham is in custody. “We’re very glad that he’s arrested. Nobody got hurt,” Jaafar said.

Stockham remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond. A preliminary examination is scheduled for Friday.